Field notes on building.
In-depth guides on fire rebuilds, California and Florida permitting, and luxury construction costs — written from active project experience across Los Angeles, Pacific Palisades, Bel Air, Beverly Hills, Malibu, Miami, Coral Gables, Palm Beach, and the South Florida coast.
Pacific Palisades Fire Rebuild: A Complete Guide for Homeowners
Insurance coordination, expedited LADBS permitting, Chapter 7A compliance, and realistic timelines for rebuilding a Pacific Palisades home.
Read articleEaton Fire Rebuild in Altadena & Pasadena: Insurance, Permits, and Construction
Two adjacent communities with completely different permitting jurisdictions and rebuild paths. What homeowners need to know.
Read articleChapter 7A Fire-Resistant Construction: A Homeowner's Guide to California Code
California's wildfire-zone construction code in plain English. What's required, what it costs, and why it works.
Read articleBeverly Hills Architectural Commission: Permit and Design Review Process
What homeowners and architects need to know about Beverly Hills' two-tier design review and how to plan a 6–9 month approval timeline.
Read articleBel Air Hillside Construction: Caisson Foundations, Soldier Pile Walls, and Grading
Hillside Construction Regulation, geotechnical engineering, and the foundation systems that make Bel Air construction possible.
Read articleMalibu Coastal Development Permits: California Coastal Commission Process
What homeowners need to know about building anywhere in Malibu's coastal zone — every parcel is governed by an additional permitting layer.
Read articleMiami HVHZ Construction: High Velocity Hurricane Zone Building Code Requirements
Miami-Dade County’s wind code is the strictest in the continental U.S. Here’s what that means for your luxury build or renovation.
Read articleCoral Gables Board of Architects: Mediterranean Revival Design Approval
Coral Gables enforces one of the most prescriptive architectural codes in Florida. Every exterior change requires Board of Architects approval.
Read articlePalm Beach ARCOM: Architectural Commission Review for Renovations & New Construction
Palm Beach operates under one of the most rigorous architectural review processes in the country. Here’s how ARCOM works.
Read articleHow Much Does It Cost to Build a Custom Home in Los Angeles? (2026 Pricing Guide)
Realistic 2026 cost ranges for building a custom home in LA — from Mid-Wilshire to Bel Air — including hidden costs most owners overlook.
Read articleDesign-Build vs. Traditional Construction: Which Delivery Model Is Right for You?
Two completely different ways to deliver a custom home or renovation. Picking the wrong one can cost 10–20% in change orders.
Read articleOwner's Representation vs. General Contractor: What's the Difference and Which Do You Need?
On complex projects, an owner’s rep can be the difference between a controlled outcome and an expensive education. Here’s when each model fits.
Read articleHow to Hire an Owner’s Representative: A Step-by-Step Guide for Owners
The right owner’s rep pays for themselves many times over — but only if you hire the right one, at the right time. Here’s how.
Read articleHow Much Does an Owner’s Representative Cost? Fees Explained
Owner’s rep fees are quoted several different ways, which is why the “percentage” you hear can range from 2% to 6%. Here’s what’s behind the number.
Read articleBuilding Out of State? Why You Need an Owner’s Representative
The hardest projects to control are the ones you can’t drive to. An owner’s rep gives a remote owner the on-the-ground advocate the project needs.
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